PSUs raise sale of imported pulses

New Delhi: Prices of pulses in the domestic market are likely to remain under check in the festive season as government-owned companies have stepped up the sale of imported commodities.

State-owned trading firms STC, MMTC and PEC and public sector cooperative NAFED, which are mandated to import pulses, offered to sell 1,30,469 tons during September seeing the increase in demand during festive season.

So far, these agencies have contracted to import 10.4 lakh tons of pulses of which over 2.54 lakh tons have arrived in the country.

“The imported pulses are bound to put a check on any northwards movement of domestic prices,” a trader said, adding the timing of sale was significant as prices generally go up around this period on festival demand.

However, Pulses Importers Association President K C Bhartiya said the political unrest in Myanmar, which is a major supplier of pulses to India, could affect the supply leading to a marginal increase in rates.

“Government has been able to control prices last month, but unrest in Burma has slowed down the supply. Prices may increase marginally during October,” he added.

During September, MMTC decided to offload 36,750 tons while STC sold 27,219 tons of pulses. Another public sector trading firm PEC sold about 10,000 tons last month.

National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED) also invited bids for sale of 43,500 tons of yellow peas of Canadian origin after selling about 13,000 tons, an official said.